Hadith #8953

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to speak about things that we do not have knowledge of, as it may lead others to doubt our credibility when we speak about things that we do know. This impactful saying highlights the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and integrity in our speech and interactions with others.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith. The word (la taqul) "لا تقول" means "do not say," emphasizing the prohibition of speaking without knowledge. The word (ma) "ما" denotes "that which" or "what," indicating that we should refrain from discussing matters that we are ignorant about. The word (la ta'lam) "لا تعلم" means

you do not know,

emphasizing the lack of knowledge or understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of speaking without knowledge. When we speak about something we do not know, we risk being accused of spreading false information or making baseless claims. This can damage our credibility and integrity, leading others to doubt the validity of our statements even when we speak about things that we do know.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of not engaging in discussions or spreading information about matters that we have no knowledge of. We are accountable for our words and actions, and speaking without knowledge can lead to negative consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before accepting it or spreading it to others. It reminds us to be cautious and not to harm others unknowingly by spreading false or unverified information.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of our words and to speak with knowledge and wisdom. It encourages us to seek knowledge, to verify information before accepting or sharing it, and to be honest and trustworthy in our interactions with others. By adhering to this advice, we can maintain our credibility and integrity, and avoid causing harm or confusion among our fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of speaking only about that which we have knowledge of. It reminds us to be cautious and responsible in our speech, as our words have the power to influence others and shape their perceptions. By seeking knowledge, verifying information, and speaking with integrity, we can uphold the values of truth and wisdom in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always speak with knowledge and wisdom, and protect us from spreading falsehood.